Coronavirus Cases Up Slightly Again in Surrey While Pandemic Grows Once More Across UK

Published on: 11 Sep, 2020
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2020

BBC chart showing regional infection rates.

Cases of Covid-19 have increased only slightly in Surrey, despite the R number in the South East and across the UK now registering between 1 and 1.2, which means the epidemic is growing.

A further 110 Covid-19 infections have been confirmed across the county since Monday, September 7, with 24 in Spelthorne and nine in Guildford.

A national study found cases doubling every seven to eight days, with a marked rise in the North and among young people. But the virus is still at much lower levels across the UK than at the peak of the pandemic in April.

Ruth Hutchinson, the county’s director of Public Health, said: “We have comparatively low numbers of Coronavirus infections, but we can’t be complacent. Remember, hands, face, space: keep washing your hands, wear face coverings when required, and keep your distance from people outside your household.

“We are still a long way from a local lockdown and if we all follow guidelines we can avoid further measures.”

The Lib Dems have called for urgent government action over a deluge of reports of people unable to book tests or being advised to travel hundreds of miles for one.

Zoe Franklin

Zoe Franklin, the party’s Guildford & Cranleigh spokesperson on parliamentary matters, said: “Caroline Reeves, the council leader, told me part of the problem is an overload in laboratory capacity, which limits the testing.

“But she also said additional test sites are being set up next week in Sutherland Memorial Park, Burpham.

“That tests are available to everyone who needs them is crucial, otherwise there is a real risk families and individuals locally, plus their contacts, will end up having to self-isolate unnecessarily.

“The government must act urgently to increase the level of testing available right now to keep people safe, prevent further outbreaks and ensure further damage to our economy is kept to a minimum.”

Mobile coronavirus testing units will be available in next week from 10.30am till 4pm on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15, then Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 at Sutherland Memorial Park, Clay Lane, Burpham, GU4 7LX

If you have Coronavirus symptoms, a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste, you should book a test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.co.uk/coronavirus. Slots are made available the evening before for morning appointments, and in the morning for afternoon appointments. Another way to book a test is by visiting https://bit.ly/32HRVqd

Have you requested a Covid test recently? Please tell us about your experience. Write to: guildford.dragon@gmail.com